Leavened croissants

Yeast Horns with Plum Jam

Do you dream of a perfect morning, where the inviting smell of freshly baked horns wakes you from your sleep, and the sweet aroma of plum jam tempts you to sit at the table? If so, you’ve come to the right place! This yeast horn recipe is not only simple but also filled with tradition and warmth, bringing family and friends together around a delicious meal.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 20-30 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 20 horns

Necessary ingredients:
- 8 eggs
- 1 cube of fresh yeast
- 2 kg of flour (you can use white flour or a combination with whole wheat flour for added nutrients)
- 2 vanilla extracts (for a more intense flavor)
- 250 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- A pinch of salt
- Plum jam (or another preferred jam)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)

Ingredient details:
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps the yeast activate better and results in a fluffy dough. Flour is the main ingredient, so opt for high quality; type 650 flour is ideal for baking horns. The plum jam not only enriches the flavor but also adds a splash of color.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the dough:
- In a large bowl, place the flour and make a well in the center. This will be the base where we add the wet ingredients.
- Add the pinch of salt, eggs, sugar, and yeast dissolved in 200 ml of warm water (not hot, as it will kill the yeast).
- Begin mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands, gradually incorporating the flour into the wet mixture.

2. Kneading:
- When the dough starts to come together, knead it for about 10-15 minutes. If you feel it is too dry, add warm water little by little until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands.
- You may need to add a little extra flour to achieve the desired consistency.

3. Rising:
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until the dough doubles in volume.
- A good idea is to place it in an oven preheated to 30 degrees, then turned off.

4. Shaping the horns:
- After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured work surface. Divide it into equal-sized balls.
- Roll each ball into a round disc, then cut it into triangles.
- Add a teaspoon of plum jam to the tip of each triangle and roll it towards the base, forming the horn.

5. Second rising:
- Place the horns on a baking tray lined with flour or parchment paper. Let them rest for 15 minutes to rise slightly.

6. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the horns for 20-30 minutes or until they turn golden.
- Be careful not to leave them too long, as they can become dry.

7. Finishing:
- After taking them out of the oven, let them cool slightly, then dust them with powdered sugar.

Serving suggestions:
Yeast horns are excellent served warm, alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can pair them with a serving of Greek yogurt, which adds a creamy and refreshing note. Additionally, a different jam, such as raspberry or strawberry, can completely transform the tasting experience.

Tips and variations:
If you want to experiment, you can add flavors to the dough, such as lemon or orange zest, for a fresher taste. Also, instead of jam, you can use chocolate or chopped nuts for the filling.

Nutritional information:
Each horn has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of jam used and the type of flour. These horns are a good source of carbohydrates and, thanks to the plum jam, can also provide a dose of vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast?
- Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need to activate it according to the instructions on the package.

2. What else can I use instead of jam?
- You can experiment with chocolate, nuts, or cheese for a savory version.

3. Can the horns be frozen?
- Yes, the horns can be frozen before baking. Place them on a tray and let them freeze, then transfer them to a plastic bag.

Yeast horns are more than just a simple recipe; they are a tradition, a way to bring joy and warmth into our homes. So, get ready to share these delights with your loved ones and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!